Best Laminating Machine for the Classroom or Teacher

One of the questions we are often asked is "which laminator is best for a teacher?" A laminating machine is certainly an asset to the classroom and can provide many functions, so that is a legitimate question.

Overall a laminating machine is great benefit to have in the classroom. Many schools don't offer one to their teachers, or have strict guidelines on the use of the front office's machine. But, a smaller hot pouch laminating machine can be purchased by a teacher for an affordable price and will give them many years of use.

Teachers like to laminate many things in the classroom to protect them from dirty hands and lots of use. Laminated items tend to hold up much better than an unprotected piece of paper, making them easier to carry over from year to year, rather than having to recreate items at the beginning of each school year. Flash cards, task cards, reference sheets and charts, and even classroom decorations can be laminated to keep them in good condition for years of multiple use.

What Does MIL Weight Mean For Laminating Pouches?

The mil weight of a hot laminating pouch describes the thickness of the pouch, which determines how heavy, or stiff, the final laminated item will be. The higher the mil weight, the "stiffer" your final laminating project will end up being.

When an item is measured in "mils," your standard for conversion is one mil equals one thousandth of an inch. Standard mil weights purchased by most customers for their projects are the 3 mil and 5 mil weights.

When mil weight is being described for laminating film, it is important to know that most manufacturers are talking about the total mil weight of the hot laminating sheet. For instance, if a pouch is described as having a 10 mil weight, that means that each side of the pouch (flap) is 5 mils, for a total weight of 10 mils.

Keep in mind that a higher mil weight does not necessarily mean it is a "better" thermal laminating pouch for you. You need to consider the type of project you will be laminating and determine whether you need it to be of a standard thickness, or if you need a more rigid finished product.